Halloween - Family Costumes

Seeing all the kids in great costumes is probably the best part about Halloween for me. I always look forward to the little action heroes, sparkly princesses, and all sorts of spooky monsters coming to my door for a treat. Last year I had the opportunity to dress up my own little boy for the first time for a playgroup party. It was a riot to see him and his baby friends in tiny animal outfits, too little to understand how adorable they were! At one point, the older kids had a parade and I watched my cousin and his family happily march around as a band of pirates! Their son had a cardboard ship and everything! I was impressed at their effort, and found myself thinking, what other great family outfits could you pull together? 

I'm sure there are hundreds of fantastic ideas online if you looked. From elaborate fabricated cosplay to handmade fun on the cheap, there’s an ensemble costume for any budget, but where do you start? Here are 3 ideas that are inexpensive and look fantastic as a group. 

The Wizard of Oz – Classic fantasy, with costume variation

The reason this works so well, is that everyone can have their own character, but it looks even better when you’re together. Finding a little lion costume isn't hard to do, but a sleeper and a felt lion mane would be easy to put together. Mom might like to be Dorothy, but it would be a little funnier if dad did it! Have a puppy at home? Bring Toto along! 

Other ideas in the same vein: Alice in Wonderland, Star Wars

The Addams Family – An Iconic family with a little macabre

There’s no better time of year to channel your inner Morticia than Halloween. Sweet and dark, the costumes are actually very simple pieces to pick up or make. Black dresses, black wigs, a little pale make up… a great way to be recognizably spooky. 

Other ideas in the same vein: the Munsters, the Simpsons as zombies

The Wiggles – Colourful, energetic, and kid friendly

On the other side of the spectrum, why not be super happy and dress up in all colours of the rainbow! A troupe of children’s performers, the Wiggles dance and sing, each in their own monochromatic jumpsuits! Any member of the family can be any colour they like – no worries about size or gender – any 3 or 4 will get your point across to your target audience. 

Other ideas in the same vein: Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Silly or scary, funny or strikingly beautiful, costumes should be a fun way to express yourself creatively and try something new. Don’t over think the process; you’ll just end up stressed and unhappy. Let your kids be involved creatively and enjoy the time together. Oh, and take lots of pictures! Many years down the road, when your family is not so young, you can laugh at the memory and smile because it happened.

Guest Feature - Preschool Friendly Halloween!

Today's guest blogger knows a thing or two about fun with kids! A mom of three and an entrepreneur, Courtney has built her career on children's programming and entertainment. Who better to give us the low down on creative ways to spend a spook-tacular day with your kiddies that isn't all about candy!

Halloween is coming up and it is one of my favourite times of year. I love the décor, the costumes, and the excitement, but how do you make Halloween special for kids when you do not want to be all about the candy? I find for my family I make each part of Halloween important, not just the day itself.

1) Pumpkin and Jack-o-lantern

It starts from taking the time to pick a pumpkin, this does not mean you have to spend $20 on a pumpkin from a farm but I let my kids look, feel and choose their own pumpkins. I let each kid draw a picture of how they want their jack-o-lanterns to look. Last year we decided we were going to be creative and paint our pumpkins to look like Ninja turtles. I have to admit they looked nothing like Ninja turtles but my kids had an amazing time. I encourage my kids to get right into the pumpkin and take out the gut. We love making toasted pumpkin seeds and add popcorn seasoning to them.

2) The Décor

We are big believers in decorating for Halloween. We will spend a whole evening putting everything up and decorating the front windows and the front of the house. We like to make our own decorations as well as buying some (cheap usually from the dollar store). Each year the kids get to choose their own decorations and where they want to put it. As well as making some décor we like to create some Halloween crafts that we can use as décor. I love the handprint crafts either a handprint spider or handprint bat are fun ones!

Even if you do not think you are very crafty here is a great blog for some easy DIY décor that won’t break the bank either.
http://www.listotic.com/16-awesome-homemade-halloween-decorations/

3) Halloween Snacks

It is hard to find but can be done, here are some great Halloween snacks you can make that are not full of sugar and sweets. Banana ghosts and pumpkin oranges.

4) Halloween Songs

I have a few songs that I have turned into Halloween songs that are fun ones to sing with the kids this time of year.

Ghosts Go Marching (tune Ants go marching)
Itsy Bitsy Spider
5 Little Pumpkins sitting on a face
1,2,3 Little Witches (tune 1,2,3 Little Indians)
5 Little Monsters or Werewolves (tune 5 Little Monkeys)

Here are some of my favourite Halloween songs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMb-43whB74&list=PLNjgOIprJPxbC5Uh2ZdlOdNbbRn6Zfr26

5) THE COSTUME

My very favourite part is the researching, deciding and creating of the costume. We love to make out own costumes in our family but sometimes it is just easier to buy one. Once again let your children take the time to look up some costume ideas online before they make the big decision and don’t get top frustrated if they change their mind (a few times). A few years ago we made bus costumes from cardboard boxes. It took a lot of effort but we worth it in the end.

Of course sometimes we do not have the time or money to create or buy the perfect costume but here are some easy last minute costumes that can be put together from items from home.
http://www.babble.com/home/10-easy-and-cute-last-minute-halloween-costumes-for-kids/

6) The Treats

Now every kid is going to want to go trick or treating and even though you may not want then to have the candy maybe there are ways to get around it. I know one family who has a son with diabetes so they buy his candy back from him. He has to put together their candy, create a bill and do the math. I know another family who switches the candy for stickers or small toys. I know my guys love handing out candy and we like to play games when the kids come to the door and who has the best costumes win special bonus candy prizes.

If your little one suffers from food allergies, or you would just rather focus on non-candy treats, check out our article about the Teal Pumpkin Campaign here! There are plenty of great seasonal gifts you can hand out that will be fun for any costumed kiddo!

7) The Tricks
If you have a little time why not create a fun sensory game with items in a container, then tell a story and have your child place their hands and feel the items.
Worms – Spaghetti
Monster brains – jello
Cotton – spider webs

Great tips! There are lots of ways to get into the spirit of any holiday with your kids, but the daily grind can be a little lonely. Mommy groups are a great way to interact with other moms and kids in your area! Interested in learning more about Courtney and her programming? Click here for information!

Special Report - The Teal Pumpkin Project

Allergies seem to be more prevalent in our society than ever before. While it was common lunchbox fare to have an old fashioned PB&J in the 80’s, now most public schools are peanut-free. The severity of some of these reactions can be fatal, and though we’ve lost a little convenience with the lack of peanut options, the trade off is the security for those poor parents, fearing for their child’s life. This worry really hit home this year with the discovery of my young niece’s allergy to peanuts. It was severe enough to go to the hospital, and to leave us all a little shaken. 


If your child or someone you know suffers from nut, dairy, gluten, or other food allergy, you understand the hesitation that comes with the Halloween loot bag. You have to mercilessly hunt through the content, concerned not just for safety, but now also through an uncertain ingredients list. It might be difficult for younger children to understand why they can’t eat what their friends can, or to sadly watch as their hard-earn loot slowly dwindles to the ones known to be safe – if any. 


Enter FARE –Food Allergy Research & Education. Their website explains:

In 2012, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) was formed as the result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI). The new organization combined FAAN’s expertise as the most trusted source of food allergy information, programs and resources with FAI’s leadership as the world’s largest private source of funding for food allergy research. Today, FARE is the leading national organization working on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergy, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. 

Since the 90’s these two organizations have been working towards awareness and funding to educate the public about food allergies. They have put in place conferences and media campaigns to inform concerned parents and educators of initiatives and support programs. Their latest, starting just last year, is an attempt to take some of that fear and disappointment out of trick-or-treating. 

Participation is simple – parents simply create a bowl of non-food options for those kids who can’t eat the vast majority of treats marketed to Halloween shoppers. They even have a list of fantastic non-food treats available on their website. Here's just a small sample of the seasonal items they suggest:

• Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
• Pencils, pens, crayons or markers
• Bubbles
• Halloween erasers or pencil toppers
• Mini Slinkies
• Whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers
• Bouncy balls
• Finger puppets or novelty toys

Halloween should be fun for so many more reasons than chocolates and candies. There is the fun of costumes, themed crafts and games, and so much more. We will be providing lots of ideas for the coming weeks, but don't forget the main event. Make someone's night by offering a bowl of fun, worry-free items. For more information about this initiative, or to order some of their material, like a pre-made, non-food treat goodie bag, check them out here.

Baby's Health: Hallowe'en Safety

Only 2 more days until Hallowe'en! The excitement in your house is probably at a fever pitch as children anticipate the candy haul awaiting them this Friday. However, your strongest emotion may be anxiety. Hallowe'en is a time to let imaginations run free, but keeping an eye on potential safety concerns can save you a world of trouble. A fun, worry-free night requires an awareness of the 3 C's.

The WIYDB 3 C’s of Hallowe’en Safety:

CANDY:

Before going out trick or treating, take the time to enjoy a light meal or snack. This will ensure that your child feels satiated and won’t be tempted to snack on the go as his bag fills up with candy. You need a chance to inspect the contents of goody-bags. Closely examine the treats in the bag by looking for choking hazards, signs of tampering (tiny pinholes, tears in wrappers, etc.), unusual appearance or discoloration, or homemade treats. It is a lovely gesture that your neighbour took the time to bake her famous “spooky brownies,” but children should only consume factory-wrapped treats. Once they have the go ahead, you should still limit the amount of treats your children consume in a day.

COSTUMES:

Always think of your child’s safety when purchasing, or making, a Hallowe’en costume. Choose light coloured fabrics (for visibility) that are not too long (to avoid tripping). If a costume needs swords, knives, or similar accessories, make sure they are short, soft, and flexible. Opt out of masks in your child’s costume because they can impair vision. Instead, use make-up and adhesives that have been tested the night before, on a small area, to make sure no allergic reactions occur. Thoroughly wash off make-up before bed. And don’t forget: costumes should be flame resistant….think of all the Jack ‘o’ Lanterns just waiting to be kicked over!

CARE:

Safety during trick or treating is mostly a case of common sense. Stay visible by fastening reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible obeying pedestrian road signs. Always walk from house  to house (as tempting as it is to run!) If you cannot accompany your child, make sure they are with a group or another trusted adult and that they only visit well-lit houses on their trip.

Hallowe'en is a really fun time for children and adults alike. It is a holiday that many look forward to, so the aim should be to make it memorable in a positive way. Following these safety tips will not take away from the excitement and joy of the night, but it will enhance the good feelings as everyone can breathe easily and focus on the festivities.

Best Books: Hallowe'en

Hallowe'en is right around the corner, and with hundreds of spooky, silly, creepy themed books to choose from, it's a great time to head out to the library for a story session. You probably have a few classics in mind, and your favourite characters likely have Hallowe'en stories on offer, but here are a few can't miss titles for the season.

Ages: 1-4

Book: Go Away, Big Green Monster! / Ed Emberley

What's it About? Page by page, the narrator describes a big, green monster as the parts appear. Once it is fully revealed, he takes control and sends the scary monster away.

What Makes it Great? Visually, this book is tons of fun. The cut outs allow for the perfect pacing, and helps to introduce something "scary" in a way very little kids can handle. In the end, the reader gets to tell the monster to "GO AWAY," which is a very powerful feeling for someone very small. Great to prepare for the sights and sounds of Halloween.

 Ages: 4-6

Book: Bone Dog / Eric Rohman

What's it About? Gus doesn't feel like doing much after his dog Ella dies; not even dressing up for Halloween. But when Gus runs into a bunch of rowdy skeletons, it's Ella--his very own Bone dog--who comes to his aid, and together they put those skeletons in their place.

What Makes it Great? This is a sensitive story about friendship and dealing with loss, but it's also a fun Halloween romp with beautiful illustrations. An older child will appreciate the different levels of this story.

Ages: 7-11

Book: Zombiekins / Kevin Bolger

What's it About? Stanley Nudelman buys a "creepy-cute" stuffed animal from a scary neighbour's garage sale, thinking it is a harmless purchase. Not so much. Over night, the toy turns into an undead monster who, when unleashed at school, starts turning everyone into zombies. It's up to Stanley to fix the problem he's created.

What Makes it Great? This books is hilarious. The pacing of the action is just right for the reluctant junior reader and the subject matter is right on trend. For kids ready for chapter books but hesitant to pick up the books you remember from childhood, Zombiekins is a great pick. 

DIY: Hallowe'en Crafts

Decorating for the changing seasons is a fun way to spend the afternoon with kids, or heck just for yourself. Fall especially is a fantastic time to use natural elements as free supplies. A nature walk might see beautiful leaves, acorns, or small twigs become a wonderful decoration and keepsake.  Unfortunately, autumn weather might also mean colder temperatures and rain (or even snow!) Here are a few fun and simple Hallowe'en craft ideas for what you might already have on hand.

The first clever craft courtesy of the Maven of Style herself (Ms. Stewart for those not yet addicted) is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Macaroni art is a classic activity for kids that I remember so fondly myself and this spooky twist is fantastic. Start with black construction paper, pasta and a quality glue.  You will likely need a liquid such as Elmers for good sticking power. A glue stick might not cut it longterm. Once you have the tools, build a creepy masterpiece in no time.  If anatomy is not your thing, why not a black cat, bats or tombstone shape? This would work well with any shape of pasta you have on hand and especially if you had a couple of boxes with just a little left over.  You could substitute cotton balls or marshmallows for a haunting look.  Or try painting heavy cardboard black for a hang-able creation.

For something a little less scary and more colourful, why not try your hand at one of these adorable tissue box creations. Giggles Galore calls them "Tattle Monsters" and boy are they cute!  Intended as a teaching tool, they make a fun anytime craft for kids of all ages.  You need a tissue box of any brand, an egg carton and the decorations of your choice!  The pictured crew includes some craft paper, googly eyes and some white paper for the pearly whites.  You could also add pipe cleaners for arms and antennas or fur and felt pieces for a great texture. This is a great way to stray from the standard orange, black and white that prevails at Hallowe'en and let your imagination run wild.  You could recreate characters from your favourite movie with greens, teals and purples.  You could use your school colours, or match them to your child's bedroom.  Anything goes.

If your kids are younger, a fun way to craft and be messy without lots of small pieces is the good old fashioned potato stamp.  A staple of the fall pantry, potatoes can be carved in to a number of ghoulish shapes for artwork, costumes and more. To duplicate the picture you will need a few medium sized potatoes (cut in half for carving), craft paint and paper lunch sacks.  Martha suggests this funky skull design for class room treat bags, but you don't need to stop there. How about pumpkins for a seasonal centerpiece, or witch hats for a fun garland? Carvings can be anything your mind can imagine and it will become an activity you will want to do again and again. Don't forget, whatever you carve will be backwards when you stamp!  If you're spelling something, try writing it out on paper first and taking it to the mirror to ensure the best results!

Ghosts are an easy craft to be made with just about anything you have in the house.  Try balling up some paper towel and wrap with tissue paper for classroom friendly scare.  Use a pom pom wrapped in facial tissue and tear the edges. Or take it up a notch as Country Living as done here; small paper cups and white balloons draped with cheesecloth for a more antique look. You can do as little or as much as you like.  Add arms, fearful expressions or keep them simple, it's really up to you. Great to group outside in a mobile or hang throughout your Hallowe'en party, all you really need are 3 basic components; something solid, something gauzy and a black marker. 

Share your favourite Hallowe'en craft or show us how your little Picasso recreated one of our suggestions above!  Message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WIYDB or comment below!  

Mommy Money Matters: Hallowe'en Costumes

Stores are constantly trying to sell you something.  If it's not something you need now, it's something you will need soon.  That's why you're still wearing shorts when they start pitching Back to School and you haven't even sharpened a pencil before Christmas decorations take over.  Baby stores are no different.  I was barely in the door of one before being presented with the most adorable selection of baby boy Halloween costumes; pumpkins, Frankenstein and the nail in my wallet's coffin... a dinosaur.  My husband had one in his hand immediately. Okay, it's super cute and I let it go.  He's our first and currently only, I will allow the indulgence.

Having said that, however, I can't buy a costume every year... They can be unimaginative, poorly made, and with the prospective of multiple children, can really add up!  More than that, when I think about my favourite costumes over the years, they were usually ones that my parents had made especially for me. Unique, special, and undoubtedly a lot cheaper. So if you have a few moments to spare and a few dollars to spend, how can you make a wonderful Halloween costume?  Here are a few tips:

Under 4 years old:

Start with pajamas!  Take a old pair or a very inexpensive pair and a minimal amount of accessories from the crafting or dollar store will make the basis for some seriously cute results!

• Green footsie pajamas and a pointy stalking cap can become a string bean for a lean baby.  Add some green pompoms to turn him in to a sweet pea! A painted tin pie plate can make for a turtle shell! A collar and some mittens could become Kermit the frog!
• A neutral colour pajama can become all matter of animal - a super cute choice for a little one.  A little felt fringing for a lion mane, for example, or some fuzzy ears attached to a hood for a cat or mouse.

5-10 years old:

The age of imitation!  This is when kids love to play and dress up like movie or tv characters.  Start with an oversize adult t-shirt!

• Slice the sleeves off an orange tee and add a felt tie and spots for a Fred Flinstone look.  A white tee cut on an angle with a twisted neckline can become Wilma for a matching set.
• A dark green shirt, green tights, and a brown belt is a perfect place to start for any number of characters; Robin Hood needs a sword and a feathered cap, add some pointed shoes and a dagger for Peter Pan, or a cute bun, inexpensive wings, and glitter for a feminine Tinkerbell!
• http://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com has a fantastic tutorial on how to turn a t-shirt in to a custom cape that will last far longer than those store bought plastic ones.  A red or black shirt would work best here of course.
• Pink, purple or light blue is a good way to start a princess.  Fluff up the sleeves, add a shiny belt, a little volume to the skirt, then add sparkles! Little girls love any opportunity for a fancy hairdo and makeup.

11 and up:

Think outside the box!  The cardboard box that is...  Without as many concerns about safety, take your bold costume to new heights with bigger pieces that make a statement.

• Paint yourself something bold and interesting like an iPod or a juice box. Add some paper cups for a Lego look.
• Turn your box into a car, train, boat, or other ride and cruise in to that Halloween party!

Of course, these are very basic outfits, but I hope we have offered something to inspire you. If you like some of the ideas you have seen here, but need a little more instruction, you can certainly look at sites such as Etsy or Pinterest for examples or even tutorials.  Share ideas with crafty friends and family while you're learning.  Also, stock up on some essentials to take your costume to the next level when you see them on sale; washable paint, paper plates for masks and texture, felt or other fabric squares, etc. The fun thing about Halloween is that it is all about imagination.  Don't plan too far ahead, let your child and the season guide you.  By the time those products are in store you still have over a month to prepare!